“The Last Guitar” by Jim Adams
“The Last Guitar”
I’ve been fortunate to have and pass on many fine archtop guitars since my Jazz journey began in 1979. When I connected with Danny Koentopp in early 2020 (pre-Pandemic), it was out of admiration for his work and especially after reading a post by Facebook friend, recording engineer and prolific guitarist, George Walker Petit, recounting his search and subsequent experience with Danny. I just wanted to explore possibilities, but as the first of many conversations progressed, I began to feel a deeper connection and realized Danny would craft my “Dream Archtop”.
It’s been such a privilege and honor to work with Danny on all the details I felt were important and develop a smaller version of his archtops. He has been so generous in sharing each step and guiding me through the decisions we made regarding size, scale, color, wood considerations and adornments.
Jim Adams playing his new guitar
Fast forward to July 1, 2024. I drove down, met Danny at his home and shop. I was stoked as we entered the shop and I opened the Hoffee case and picked it up for the first time. The acoustic sound blew me away and it was/is so natural to hold and play. We plugged it in (Ron Ellis humbucker PU)and the whole “System” came ALIVE ! He had selected the woods to get the best acoustic sound out of a smaller body. He NAILED it! The workmanship, fit and finish are spectacular. I asked for a darker, carnelian color, and with his unique approach to the color process, the result came out 100%. There is a depth dimension in the finish I’ve never seen before.
From the carved, boldly arched Alaskan Spruce top and Romanian Maple back, to the fabulous detail of the purfling inlayed on the top and back (we had decided to go with no body binding, but the purfling gives a “bound” look in a very elegant way.), the dolphin inlays (in black mother of pearl) in the fingerboard, in addition to mother of pearl elliptical side markers, subtle arrows carved into the volume and tone knobs. And all the intricately hand-carved ebony appointments: tailpiece, saddle/base(bridge), the veneers, including the stunning Macassar ebony on the rear of headstock.
There hasn’t been a day since July 1st I haven’t picked it up and not been delighted, surprised and inspired. Even this early, it is opening my ears up in ways I hadn’t dreamed of, inspiring me to hear and play lines from “out of nowhere” or Infinity!
A happy team
I remain perpetually grateful to Danny for his sense of Art, his incredible skills/craft and his patience in working with me to craft this amazing instrument.
Often, when I lay it down between practice sessions, I stand over it and marvel at ALL that it is, an incredible tool of the highest Art.
With 2 very fine workhorse Sadowskys, I know this will be my last guitar for what time I have left. For that time will not be distracted, so that I may become the best player I can be in each Day I’m given.
Thank you Maestro, Danny Koentopp
Truly, the Last Guitar …….. for me
–Jim Adams
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